Head-to-head: Where are Manchester United better than rivals Manchester City?

The pick of the games this weekend in the Premier League sees Manchester City host city rivals Manchester United at the Etihad stadium. And a Manchester derby never disappoints.

It was City who came away with the bragging rights last season, with the Premier League Champions winning 4-1 at the Etihad and 3-0 at Old Trafford respectively.

Nothing has changed in that regard, as the stats suggest Manchester City remain the team to beat. Manuel Pellegrini's side have been more effective in terms of both attack and defence this season, which will undoubtedly concern Old Trafford chief Louis van Gaal.

With both teams possessing world-class strikers, this match is likely to be won and lost by the quality of service provided from midfield. Thus far this season, City have thrived in this area, creating 123 goal scoring opportunities - a total far superior to that of their weekend opponents.

And the current Premier League champions have not only fashioned more chances but scored more too. Pellegrini's side have netted on 19 occasions - converting 12% of their attempts - while United have scored 16 times. Sergio Aguero, who is currently joint-top of the Premier League scoring charts with nine goals, has put five past United in his last six games.

So the Red Devils will need to be firing from all cylinders if they expect to travel home with a share of the spoils this weekend... City dominate in the majority of areas, having made more passes, more tackles and won more aerial duels. The Citizens have also averaged a greater share of possession throughout the opening weeks of the campaign.

Possession Percentage

Manchester City

60.78

Manchester United

57.89

Against Chelsea last weekend, however, the Red Devils looked far more adept in a defensive capacity. In just nine fixtures this term, the club have conceded on 13 occasions - a worrying tally - yet Van Gaal will take solace in City's record, which cannot be seen as much of an improvement.

United's season has been riddled with a multitude of errors at the back - so far nine mistakes have led to opposition goal scoring opportunities - but, if the club can perform as they did against Jose Mourinho's league leaders, they stand a far greater chance of success.

Nevertheless, City have hardly been squeaky clean in this department. With four errors already this season, the cracks have shown at times. If United can capitalise on such weaknesses on Sunday, we'll have a real game on our hands - and that's without mentioning that fact that Pellegrini's men have just lost two on the bounce...

Conclusion: The statistics weigh heavily in Manchester City's favour, while the home advantage and a free-scoring Sergio Aguero make it very difficult to see United getting a result.

Chris Linnell

Chris is a freelance football writer from Wiltshire, England. He is currently studying Modern History and Politics at the University of Liverpool. He has written for various other sites, including the Boot Room and Bleacher Report. His work has also featured on Eurosport.